Kennedy Center gala honors diverse artists.
The 40th Annual Kennedy Center Honors airs on CBS today. Don your tux or evening gown and enjoy.
The star-studded gala, filmed Dec. 3 at the Opera House at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, airs from 8-10 p.m. and honors the careers of five diverse artists.
Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein said, “Each of this year’s honorees became known to and loved by the world because of their complete originality and bold genius.”
Center President Deborah F. Rutter added, “They are creators of the highest order, and as President Kennedy’s living memorial, the Kennedy Center is proud to shine a light on their boundless contributions to the human spirit.”
The 2017 recipients are Carmen de Lavallade, Gloria Estefan, LL Cool J, Norman Lear and Lionel Richie.
This year’s event, usually attended by the president and first lady, was not without controversy after De Lavallade and Lear announced they would skip the gala in protest.
De Lavallade said she would not attend “in light of the socially divisive and morally caustic narrative that our current leadership is choosing to engage in.”
Lear said he would attend the event at the center, but planned to boycott the earlier White House reception because, “as an artist and a human being, I cannot celebrate this incredible honor … at a White House that has no interest in supporting the arts and humanities.”
In response, the White House announced in August that the Trumps would not participate in the activities. Rubenstein said he respected the decision and added, “In choosing not to participate in this year’s Honors activities, the administration has graciously signaled its respect for the Kennedy Center and ensures the Honors gala remains a deservedly special moment for the honorees. We are grateful for this gesture.”
That bit of awkwardness out of the way, the event proceeded without drama and with barely a mention of politics. And if you thought I was exaggerating about it being “star-studded,” read on.
After opening remarks from JFK’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy, each of the recipients was honored in turn by a presenter and special performers. Here they are in alphabetical order.
Estefan: The Grammy Award-winning Cuban-American was introduced by Eva Longoria, who was followed by the cast of On Your Feet! The Musical, the Broadway play based on the lives of Estefan and her husband, Emilio Estefan.
Other performers were Chaka Khan with the Howard University Gospel Choir, Jon Secada, Becky G, daughter Emily Estefan, and Gloria’s band, the Miami Sound Machine.
Lear: The multiple Emmy winner, political activist and TV writer/producer of such classic 1970s sitcoms as All in the Family, The Jeffersons and Maude was introduced by director/producer J.J. Abrams with tributes from the United States Air Force Singing Sergeants, Dave Chappelle, Rob Reiner, George Clooney, Rachel Bloom, Kenya Barris, Anthony Anderson and Rita Moreno. LL Cool J: The actor, rapper, author and entrepreneur became the first hip-hop artist to be recognized by the center. He was introduced by Queen Latifah and honored by performances from Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, DJ Z-Trip, Busta Rhymes, MC Lyte, Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels.
De Lavallade: The actress, dancer and choreographer was introduced by her former student, Meryl Streep, with tribute performances by Jon Batiste with dancers Stella Abrera and Brandon Victor Dixon, Shelea Frazier with dancers Alicia Graf Mack, Linda Celeste Sims and Matthew Rushing, Rebecca Luker with dancers Misty Copeland and Robert Fairchild, and a final tribute featuring all the above along with the Howard University Gospel Choir.
Richie: The multiple Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, actor and record producer was introduced by Kenny Rogers and honored by Stevie Wonder, Luke Bryan, Quincy Jones, daughter Nicole Richie and Leona Lewis. A final tribute number included all of the above. New Year’s stuff. Not in the mood for a black-tie affair? ABC feels your pain. Happy New Year, Charlie Brown (1986) airs at 7 p.m. today on ABC. It’s paired with She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown (1980) to kill the hour.
At 8 p.m., ABC rolls out Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976). This is the stop-motion TV movie where Baby New Year disappears and the world faces disaster. Can Rudolph save the day?
The TV Column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Email: mstorey@arkansasonline.com